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Containers stacked at Chattogram port
The government has formulated new rules governing the appointment of berth, terminal and ship-handling operators at Chattogram port, paving the way for a more structured process of engaging private operators.
The Ministry of Shipping issued the Chittagong Port Authority (Appointment of Berth, Terminal and Ship Handling Operators) Rules, 2026 through a gazette notification published on November 5.
Issued under the Chittagong Port Authority Act, 2022, the rules outline a framework for issuing and renewing operators’ licences, making appointments, defining responsibilities and overseeing their activities at the country’s premier seaport.
Under the rules, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) can issue licences to the required number of berth, terminal and ship-handling operators for cargo and container handling at its berths, jetties, terminals and outer anchorage within the port limits.
This is the first time gazetted rules have been formulated to govern the licensing and appointment of private operators.
CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said the Chittagong Port Authority Act, 2022, stipulated that regulations should be formulated for appointing berth, terminal and ship-handling operators. The new rules were framed accordingly.
The selection process must follow an open tendering procedure to ensure transparency and competition, in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and the Public Procurement Rules, 2025.
However, applicants must obtain the relevant operator’s licence from the CPA before participating in the tender process.
A seven-member committee, headed by a CPA member, will scrutinise licence applications, prepare a shortlist and interview the owners or authorised representatives of shortlisted firms. It will also include representatives from the University Grants Commission, the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The committee will submit its recommendations to the CPA chairman for placement before the authority’s board for approval.
Applicants must submit documents including trade licences, income tax clearance certificates and other prescribed papers. Those seeking berth and ship-handling licences must demonstrate their capacity to provide the manpower, machinery and equipment needed for cargo handling, loading, unloading, storage and delivery.
The application fee is Tk 1 lakh and is non-refundable. Successful applicants must deposit Tk 50 lakh as security with the authority. The government may revise the security amount through a gazette notification.
Licences must be renewed every five years, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions.
The rules also provide for the appointment of international terminal operators at Chattogram port.
Subject to government approval, the CPA may appoint such operators under the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026, or through the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and its associated rules.
The rules state: “Notwithstanding anything contained in these Rules, the Authority may, with the approval of the appropriate authority, appoint an international terminal operator in accordance with the provisions of the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 (Act No. 104 of 2026), or the Public Procurement Act, 2006 (Act No. 24 of 2006), and the rules or policies made thereunder.”
An operator’s appointment will generally be for a maximum of five years, although the government may approve a longer term.
Terminal operators must provide the equipment, machinery, technology and skilled manpower needed to handle containers and cargo. They will also be responsible for their efficient movement, loading, unloading and storage.
Operators must comply with the CPA’s regulations, standard operating procedures and other directives. They must protect port property, ensure workplace safety and comply with labour laws, including provisions on workers’ wages, benefits and safety.
The authority may suspend or cancel licences for violations, including failure to meet operating standards, irregularities in cargo handling, employing unauthorised workers, fraud and other misconduct.
The rules provide operators with an opportunity to respond to allegations before their licences are cancelled, as well as avenues for review and appeal against the authority’s decisions.
The new rules will take precedence over any inconsistent existing regulations, policies, guidelines, office orders or board decisions of the CPA.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/business/1f1db4e0-6ae1-6500-a7f4-09df30b99537